Way back in 2016, Hugh Jackman announced that Logan (then known as Wolverine 3) would be his last onscreen turn as Wolverine. Two years later, with the release of Logan finally here, a lot of people are wondering whether or not Jackman intends on keeping his word. We've seen it before. Actors proclaim they will never again revisit a popular character, only to star in a sequel a few years later. So, will Hugh Jackman play Wolverine again? After Logan, the odds are not looking good.
On a practical level, it's easy to see that Jackman has no intention of returning to everyone's favorite clawed superhero. In Jackman's countless interviews promoting Logan, he has repeatedly stated that this is his last time as Wolverine. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Jackman confirmed that Logan was his last onscreen adventure as Wolverine, saying, "As I sit here today, yes" when asked if it was, indeed, the end. He did, however, add a very interesting afterthought, telling the paper, "God knows how I'll feel in three years, but right now, absolutely." So, if you're holding onto the hope that Jackman might change his mind sometime down the line and return to the X-Men franchise, there might be some hope. Although, the ending for Logan doesn't really bode well for Jackman's possible return. Spoilers ahead.
The ending of Logan makes it pretty difficult to imagine a future where Jackman's Wolverine would return. Major spoiler alert — Wolverine dies at the end of Logan, providing a perfect (and definitive) ending to the character as we've come to know him. But what about the rebooted X-Men films that take place in the past? Well, technically Wolverine could return at any moment, though it would kind of throw off the entire Wolverine story timeline (more than X-Men: Days of Future Past already has). Furthermore, a return to the franchise in films meant to take place after Logan would cheapen Wolverine's death and arc in the film. And based on the level of care with which Jackman treats the character, something tells me he'd rather avoid that at all costs.
Odds are Jackman won't return to Wolverine, and Logan is indeed his last time playing the role. However, I wouldn't rule out the odd charity skit or event. Jackman can't resist a good show, so if it's fun enough and needed enough, I'm sure he would come back, at least for a little while.
